PennDOT Reminds Motorists to be Cautious of Slow Moving Traffic

08/05/2016

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The northwest district of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reminding motors to share the road safely.

During the summer months, it is more commonplace to see farm equipment, horse-drawn buggies, and other slow-moving traffic on Pennsylvania’s roadways. Drivers should remain patient and use caution when approaching slow-moving traffic, which is described as vehicles moving at a speed of less than 25 miles per hour.

Drivers should slow down immediately when seeing a slow-moving vehicle to provide a cushion of safety. It only takes seconds for a fast-moving motor vehicle to reach a buggy or tractor that is moving at 5 to 10 miles an hour. In addition, motorists should avoid distracted driving, focus their attention on the road, and be aware of their surroundings.

When approaching a horse-drawn buggy in an oncoming lane, drivers should dim their lights and carefully watch for any vehicles that might attempt to pass the buggy.

Motorists should take great care passing a buggy, and only pass when it is safe and legal to do so. Provide as much room as possible between the vehicle and the buggy to ensure safe passing.

Also, they should not sound their horn, drive too fast, or create other activity that could frighten a horse. Like other animals, horses can be unpredictable and may react in unexpected ways. Leave plenty of space between the vehicle and the buggy before pulling back in the travel lane.

Be especially careful at night and in weather that limits visibility. Buggies are often dark and while some have reflective tape, drivers still should take special care on rural roads during these conditions.

Buggies are not the only slow-moving vehicle motorists can encounter. There are also bicycles, pedestrians, farm equipment, and construction machinery that use the state’s roadways.

Drivers should be especially careful at the crest of a hill, around a sharp curve or anywhere else where the line of vision is obstructed; and they could very suddenly encounter a buggy or slow-moving vehicle.